One Illinois teacher is receiving quite the honor. Jennifer Hubbell-Thomas of Chatham is on one of eleven teams of educators participating in NASA’s Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors program.

They will be taking off on NASA’s “flying telescope,” the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy to assist on research projects with scientists. The teams will research such topics as planets, moons, asteroids, the solar system and more.  

Hubbell-Thomas, who has had a keen interest in astronomy from a young age, is an eighth grade science teacher from Williamsville Junior High. She applied for the program with another teacher, Stacey Shrewsbury. They are currently the only team from Illinois.

For more information: http://www.sj-r.com/article/20160313/NEWS/160319830/?Start=1

Award-winning Chicago-based photographer Rossana Reformado specializes in Polaroid SX-70 manipulations and digital infrared photography. Reformado’s images can be made into prints of various sizes, coasters, wood blocks, magnets, ornaments or pendants upon request.

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Encouraging children to unplug and learn is a common goal among parents in Illinois and a museum is one of the best ways to do this. The Kohl Children’s Museum in Glenview, Illinois is rated among the nation’s best children’s museums by Reader’s Digest, Parents Magazine and The Early Childhood Education Zone.

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High school students looking to start a career in telecommunications may find a unique opportunity at Lincoln Trail College in Robinson.

The college, which is part of the network of Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, offers an opportunity for students to assist in maintaining and improving the broadband infrastructure through their broadband telecom program. The program, offers a variety of skills needed to be successful in the field of telecommunications and is the only one of its kind in Illinois and just one of a small group nationwide.

Jesse Allen, director of the broadband telecom program, emphasized the importance of the program for the state of Illinois by creating qualified workers in the telecommunications field.

“As the demand for quality broadband speeds and connections increase to homes in rural Illinois, our students are at the forefront of the future growth the industry will experience,” Allen said.

Students learn such skills as splicing and maintaining fiber optic and copper cables, home and business telephone systems, and central office switching. Students are also required to take courses in communication and customer relations to prepare them for the careers they are about to step into.

The students in the program also understand the importance of supporting their communities while in school. Recently, the broadband telecom student club provided services to several community organizations, including fixing bad cables between two local schools.

According to the National Broadband Map, launched by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, three in four Americans now use broadband in their homes. Broadband Illinois shows that nearly 70% of households have broadband access in the state.

The program offers a two-year degree and opportunities for internships and specialized classes in business communication systems and developments in telecom.

For more information about the program visit: http://www.iecc.edu/page.php?page=LTCH_PRGM&acad=reqm&acadc=708

The beginning of March means that the worst of winter should be behind us and warmer temperatures are on the way.

If you and your family are looking to make memories outdoors this spring and summer, then make sure to visit Illinois Beach State Park.

Known for its stunning beauty, the park stretches 6.5 miles along Lake Michigan’s shore in northern Illinois. It has 650 species of plants, including many colorful wildflowers, as well as vast marshes, dunes and vegetation that will leave outdoor enthusiasts in awe.

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